Tribal Colleges

Chemistry student at Diné College, AZ

Tribal Colleges Are Affordable Options

Tribal colleges provide students with access to an affordable higher education, along with important services such as GED coursework, day care, health centers, libraries, computer centers, language preservation classes, community activities, and lifelong learning programs.

Even if you think going to college or getting job training is a distant dream, you will be surprised to learn that you CAN afford college. Thanks to financial aid packages available through your tribal college and scholarships from the American Indian College Fund, you can get a higher education!

What Is A Tribal College?

Tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) are accredited higher education institutions located on or near Indian reservations. These institutions were established and are operated by American Indian tribes to educate Native people and preserve Native ways, giving students the opportunity to earn a college degree or certificate while embracing who they are as Native people.

Diné College was the very first TCU, founded in 1968 by the Navajo nation. Today there are 34 accredited TCUs across the United States. Find a TCU near you.

TCU Facts

• Thirty-four accredited TCUs serve more than 30,000 Native students;

• TCUs must meet the same academic standards as other colleges and universities;

• Native culture and language are infused throughout curriculum;

• Non-Natives do choose to attend TCUs;

• TCUs offer programs such as NASA’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics program, which includes prestigious internship and mentoring opportunities;

• TCUs are competitive. Leech Lake Tribal College was ranked by Washington Monthly as the seventh of “America’s 50 Best Community Colleges” in 2010. It was one of two TCUs to earn this recognition.

• TCUs contribute to the economies of their communities. The College of Menominee Nation added $37 million to the regional economy, created 404 jobs, and generated more than $833,000 in tax revenue in 2011 alone.

Now in its 25th year, the American Indian College Fund is the nation’s largest scholarship provider for American Indians. Thanks to corporate, foundation, tribal, and individual donors, we provide scholarships for Native students seeking to better their lives through higher education. The College Fund accepts scholarship online from January 1 through May 31 every year at www.collegefund.org. Apply today!